Hose Reel

ABSTRACT

Hose reel apparatus, systems, and methods for laying down and retrieving long lengths of hose from the ground. Hose reel systems can be pulled behind tractors and moved off center to expose the hose reel past a wheel on one side of the tractor. The move can be performed remotely, from within the tractor. The off center reel can pick up and wind hose. A remotely controlled variable displacement hydraulic motor can drive the reel rotation. The hose can be powered off the reel using the motor or dragged off the moving reel using the motor in zero displacement mode, with the change controlled from within the tractor. Hose can be wound onto the moving reel and the hose tension controlled by monitoring and controlling the hydraulic pressure and motor displacement from the tractor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 64/460,730 filed on Feb. 17, 2017 for HOSE REEL, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related generally to hose reels. More specifically the present invention includes large hose reels which can be pulled behind tractors and can be used to lay down and rewind long lengths of hoses for pumping manure, water, and other substances. In one use, the reels are used to transport, lay down, and rewind long lengths of lay flat hoses for applying manure to fields.

BACKGROUND

Fluids must often be transported over long distances using temporary hoses. Examples include emergency water for uses including fire fighting and substitute potable water supplies. Another example includes distributing manure over agricultural fields. Manure is often stored in manure ponds or lagoons until appropriate times for application. The manure must be stored in some regions as application to snow covered fields could lead to run off in the spring thaw. Application prior to planting is often desirable.

Lay flat hoses are often used as more hose can be wound onto hose reels. The hose reels having the hose can be transported to fields on hose reel trailers pulled behind tractors or carried in front of tractors. The hose can be spun off the reel onto the ground over long distances and used. Later the hose must be picked up by winding the hose back on the reel and transported elsewhere.

In prior devices with which the applicant is familiar, the tension on the hose reel cannot be directly well controlled. In such devices, the hose tension can lead to uncontrolled spooling of the hose on the reel, similar to fishing line becoming loose on a fishing reel. The uncontrolled tension can also drag the hose, causing unneeded wear on the hose.

In some prior devices, the rotation speed of the reel can be controlled. This means at a constant tractor speed the lay down or pick up speed will try to vary with the amount of hose on the reel changing the tension on the hose.

Improved apparatus and methods for deploying and picking up long lengths of hose would be desirable. Apparatus and methods allowing better operator control from a tractor cab would be most desirable.

SUMMARY

Hose reel apparatus, systems, and methods for laying down and retrieving long lengths of hose from the ground. Hose reel systems can be pulled behind tractors and moved off center to expose the hose reel past a wheel to one side of the tractor. The move can be performed remotely, from within the tractor. The off center reel can pick up and wind hose. A remotely controlled variable displacement hydraulic motor can drive the reel rotation. The hose can be powered off the reel using the motor or dragged off the moving reel using the motor in zero displacement mode, with the change controlled from within the tractor. Hose can be wound onto the moving reel and the hose tension controlled by monitoring and controlling the hydraulic pressure and motor displacement from the tractor.

One example of the invention provides an apparatus for transporting, laying down, and picking up a hose, the apparatus including: a frame; at least two wheels coupled through an axle to and supporting the frame; a hose reel rotatably coupled to the frame; and a tongue moveably coupled to the frame.

In one example, the tongue moveable coupling has a first position and a second position, in which the hose reel extends further sideways past the tractor on one side in the first position than the second position; and in which the tongue can be driven between the first position and the second position from a location external to the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the tongue moveable coupling is a pivotal coupling where the first position has the tongue disposed substantially perpendicular to the wheel axle; and where the second position has the tongue hitch is disposed at an acute angle to the wheel axle; in which the tongue can be driven between the first position and the second position through a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the tongue and frame and controlled from a location external to the apparatus.

The tongue may be driven between the first position and the second position through a hydraulic cylinder controlled from a location external to the apparatus e.g. from the tractor. In other examples the moveable coupling is a side to side slidable coupling relative to the center of the tractor and/or hose reel.

Some embodiments further have a hydraulic motor coupled to drive the hose reel in a first direction and a second direction where the directions can be controlled through an electrical and/or hydraulic control system controlled from a location external to the apparatus, e.g. from the tractor. In some such embodiments the hydraulic motor is coupled to drive the hose reel through a planetary gear. The hydraulic motor is powered from hydraulic lines extending along the tongue in some examples.

The hydraulic pressure to and/or from the hydraulic motor can be monitored and controlled external to the apparatus in some such devices. The hydraulic motor can be a variable displacement hydraulic motor where the displacement can be controlled external to the apparatus, e.g. from the tractor. The devices can have a communication system for remotely monitoring and controlling the variable displacement hydraulic motor.

One embodiment provides a method for pulling a hose reel behind a tractor having wheels, the hose reel having a first position substantially in line with the tractor and a second position extending past a tractor wheel to one side exposing part of the hose reel sideways past the tractor wheel, the method comprising: moving the hose reel between the first and second positions from within the tractor.

Another embodiment provides a method for deploying hose onto the ground from a hose reel pulled behind a moving tractor, the method comprising: allowing the hose to be pulled off the moving and freely rotating hose reel by the friction of already deployed hose in a first mode; forcibly spinning the moving hose reel to force the hose from the hose reel in a second mode; and switching between the first mode and the second mode from within the tractor. In some such methods the first mode includes operating a variable displacement hydraulic motor coupled to the hose reel in a first low or zero displacement mode and the second mode includes increasing the displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic motor to a second displacement mode greater than the first displacement mode.

In another embodiment, a method for taking up hose from the ground onto a hose reel propelled by a moving tractor is provided, the method comprising: rotating the hose reel while controlling the tension on the hose. In some such embodiments, the rotating hose reel is rotated by a hydraulic motor, in which the hose tension is monitored by measuring hydraulic oil pressure, and in which the tension is controlled by controlling hydraulic oil pressure. The monitoring and controlling is done from within the tractor in some examples. The controlling is done using a closed loop automatic controller in some embodiments. In some methods, the rotating hose reel is rotated by a variable displacement hydraulic motor, in which the tension is monitored by measuring hydraulic oil pressure, and in which the tension is controlled by controlling hydraulic oil pressure and the variable displacement hydraulic motor displacement.

BRIEF DESCIRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, side view of one embodiment of the invention including the electronic control wires, the hydraulic controls, and the hydraulic motor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the tongue in an extended configuration such that part of the hose reel extends past the side of the tractor allowing the tractor to drive past a hose to pick up and rewind the hose without driving over the hose.

FIG. 3 is a perspective, side view of the embodiment FIG. 1 unwinding and laying down the lay flat hose.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 having the tongue partially retracted.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of a hydraulic motor as supplied by the hydraulic hoses.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of a hydraulic control manifold on the hose reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a hose reel system 20 according to the invention. In this example, the hose reel system 20 includes a reel side flange 22 on each side connected by a reel center portion or axle 24 for winding the hose thereon. The hose reel system 20 includes a bottom frame 26, a rear frame 28, and a side frame 30. A folding/hinged/pivotable tongue 32 having a front hitch 34 can be used to pull the hose reel behind a vehicle such as a tractor. In this example, tongue 34 has an upper portion 36 and bottom portion 38, each pivotably or hingedly coupled to the hose reel frame through pivots/hinges 44 and 46 respectively. The frame can include a pair of wheels 40 coupled by a wheel axle for transporting the hose reel system.

In some embodiments, the reel is driven by a motor for rotating the reel and laying down/unwinding the hose and picking up/winding up the hose. In some embodiments, the motor is hydraulically driven using hydraulic power supplied by a tractor. In some examples, the motor hydraulics are coupled to the tractor hydraulics through a control manifold which can be electronically and/or hydraulically remotely controlled from the tractor cab. Various means may be used to perform the communication and control functions, depending on the embodiment. Such means can include electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, optical, RF, and the like and combinations thereof. Corresponding monitors and controls within the tractor cab can be included.

In some embodiments the hydraulic motor can be operated to drive the reel in a first direction to unwind the hose, a second opposite direction to rewind the hose, and in a freewheeling mode allowing the hose to be pulled off the reel. In some embodiments, the freewheeling mode is accomplished by operating a variable displacement hydraulic motor in a zero displacement mode.

In prior devices with which the applicant is familiar, the tension on the hose reel cannot be directly well controlled. In such devices, the hose tension can lead to uncontrolled spooling of the hose on the reel, similar to fishing line becoming loose on a fishing reel. The uncontrolled tension can also drag the hose, causing unneeded wear on the hose.

In some prior devices, the rotation speed of the reel can be controlled. This means at a constant tractor speed the lay down or pick up speed will try to vary with the amount of hose on the reel, which changes the hose tension.

In some embodiments, the reel tension can be controlled from the cab by the operator monitoring the input and output hydraulic pressure to the motor driving the hose reel and adjusting the motor control accordingly. In some embodiments, such monitoring and motor control is performed automatically using an automatic control circuit. Controlling the reel tension can reduce wear on the hose.

In some embodiments, the hydraulic motor is coupled through a planetary gear to drive the reel rotation. The motor direction, speed, and operation in a zero displacement mode may be controlled from the cab.

FIG. 2 illustrates hose reel system 20 carrying a wound hose 60, showing the tongue 32 in an extended configuration such that the tongue is substantially perpendicular to the hose reel wheel axle. This configuration can be achieved using a hydraulic cylinder 40 coupled to tongue bottom portion 38 and hose reel bottom front frame 40. Hydraulic cylinder 40 may be seen in an extended position. In this position, part of the hose reel extends sideways past the side of the tractor, with a tractor wheel 41 shown for reference. This position allows the tractor to drive past a hose on the ground with the hose on the right side of the driver in this illustration. The hose reel can be driven by the motor to pick up and rewind the hose while the tractor driver monitors the distance from the hose. This can avoid driving over the hose.

FIG. 3 illustrates the hose reel system 20 laying down and unwinding lay flat hose 60. The hose unwinding can be unwound using reel motor 50 powered or freewheeling with the friction from the already unwound hose pulling the hose off the reel.

FIG. 4 illustrates hose reel system 20 where the hydraulic cylinder has been retracted to bring the center of the hose reel more in line with the center of the tractor which can be used to lay down the hose more directly behind the tractor. A slot 25 in reel center 24 is provided to insert a hose end to begin winding up the hose.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the hoses and electrical wires coupled to the hydraulic motor 70 for driving, monitoring, and controlling the reel rotation through the hydraulic motor. The exact number and configuration of hoses and wires will vary with the device made according to the present invention. Electronic wires for controlling the motor and monitoring the motor and hydraulic oil temperatures and pressures can be included. In the example illustrated hoses 72, 73, 74, and 75 are shown as are wires/cables 76.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the hoses and electrical wires coupled to the hydraulic manifold control 80 for driving, monitoring, and controlling the reel rotation. This can include wires going to the tractor cab, hydraulic motor, and hydraulic cylinders on the hose reel frame e.g. to open and close the angle between the tongue and wheel axle. The exact number and configuration of hoses and wires will vary with the device made according to the present invention. Electronic wires for controlling the motor and monitoring the motor and hydraulic oil temperatures and pressures can be included. In the example illustrated hoses 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88 are shown as are wires/cables 91, 92, and 93.

In use, several methods of operation are possible. The following examples are illustrative and non-limiting. When laying down the hose, the operator can power off an initial length of hose while the tractor is travelling. This can be done using controls in the tractor cab to power the reel variable displacement hydraulic motor and control the motor speed and direction, including setting the motor displacement to a suitable value. After a length of hose is deployed the motor displacement may be controlled from the cab and the motor displacement set to zero, allowing the reel to free wheel. The tractor travel and hose tension can be used to pull the hose off the reel.

When the tractor must turn, for example at the corner of a field or in a u-turn it may be desirable to not use hose tension to pull the hose off the reel. Using tension in a turn may cause the hose to be pulled from the desired shape of the turn. E.g. in a 90 degree turn the hose could be pulled to cut the corner short and even snag obstacles that the tractor has steered wide of. In this situation the operator may adjust the displacement above zero to power off the hose until the turn is complete and some hose laid down in the new direction. The motor displacement can then be set back to zero and tension again used to deploy the hose. This can all be done from the tractor cab.

When it is desired to wind the hose back on the reel, other methods according to the invention may be used. The angle between the hose reel tongue and the wheel axles of the hose reel can be increased to move the hose reel past the center of the tractor to bring the hose reel sideways past the wheels of the tractor to one side of the tractor. The hose end can be secured to the reel, for example by inserting one end into a slot in the reel center. The tractor can drive with the hose on one side of the tractor outside of the tractor wheel base to keep the tractor from driving over the hose.

The operator can set the hydraulic motor speed and direction to a suitable value to wind the hose onto the reel while driving the tractor forward. The operator can monitor and control the tension on the hose by monitoring the hydraulic pressure to and from the motor. The tractor operator can drive at a constant speed while maintaining a constant tension on the hose if desired even though the speed of the reel rotation can vary over the course of the hose pick up.

At a constant ground speed a substantially constant length of hose can be picked up per time period. E.g. a constant number of feet per minute. When the reel is initially empty the reel will rotate faster for that length of hose as the effective reel diameter is small. As the hose fills up the reel the effective reel diameter becomes larger and the reel will rotate slower for the same length of hose. In some methods, the operator need not directly control the reel rotation speed but only keep the hydraulic pressure to the motor constant. In some examples, the hydraulic pressure is measured using electronic sensors on the hydraulic lines with the wires fed to the tractor cab. The pressure control can be manual or automatic (closed loop) depending on the embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for transporting, laying down, and picking up a hose, the apparatus comprising: a frame; at least two wheels coupled through an axle supporting the frame; a hose reel rotatably coupled to the frame; and a motor coupled to the hose reel to rotate the hose reel; where the motor rotation direction and speed is controlled from a location remote to the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the motor is a hydraulic motor coupled to drive the hose reel through a planetary gear.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the hydraulic motor is powered from hydraulic lines extending along the tongue.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the hydraulic pressure to and/or from the hydraulic motor can be monitored and controlled external to the apparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the hydraulic motor is a variable displacement hydraulic motor where the displacement can be controlled from a location external to the apparatus.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a communication system remotely monitoring and controlling the variable displacement hydraulic motor.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tongue moveable coupling has a first position and a second position, in which the hose reel extends further sideways past the tractor on one side in the first position than the second position; and in which the tongue can be driven between the first position and the second position from a location external to the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the tongue moveable coupling is a pivotal coupling where the first position has the tongue disposed substantially perpendicular to the wheel axle; where the second position has the tongue hitch is disposed at an acute angle to the wheel axle; in which the tongue can be driven between the first position and the second position through a hydraulic cylinder coupled between the tongue and frame and controlled from a location external to the apparatus.
 9. A method for pulling a hose reel behind a tractor having wheels, the hose reel having a first position and a second position, where the hose reel extends further sideways past the tractor in the first position than in the second position, the method comprising: moving the hose reel between the first and second positions from within the tractor.
 10. A method for deploying hose onto the ground from a hose reel pulled behind a moving tractor, the method comprising: allowing the hose to be pulled off the moving and freely rotating hose reel by the friction of already deployed hose in a first mode; forcibly rotating the moving hose reel using a motor to force the hose from the hose reel in a second mode; and switching between the first mode and the second mode from within the tractor.
 11. The method of claim 10 in which the first mode includes operating a variable displacement hydraulic motor coupled to the hose reel in a first low displacement mode and in which the second mode includes increasing the displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic motor to a second displacement mode greater than the first displacement mode.
 12. A method for taking up hose from the ground onto a hose reel propelled by a moving tractor, the method comprising: rotating the hose reel while controlling the tension on the hose.
 13. The method of claim 12 in which the rotating hose reel is rotated by a hydraulic motor, in which the tension is monitored by measuring hydraulic oil pressure, and in which the tension is controlled by controlling hydraulic oil pressure.
 14. The method of claim 13 in which the monitoring and controlling is done from within the tractor.
 15. The method of claim 13, in which the controlling is done using a closed loop automatic controller.
 16. The method of claim 12 in which the rotating hose reel is rotated by a variable displacement hydraulic motor, in which the tension is monitored by measuring hydraulic oil pressure, and in which the tension is controlled by controlling hydraulic oil pressure and the variable displacement hydraulic motor displacement. 